LIVE UPDATES: Snow is mostly gone, but impacts linger in CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The CSRA is dealing with the consequences of winter weather after snow moved through the region. Here are the latest updates.

JAN. 24, 2025

5 a.m.: What’s the status of local roads and crashes?

All roads in Richmond County with the exception of John C. Calhoun have re-opened. We expect the Calhoun Expressway to open today.
Burke County officials give update on snow-related crashes.
Officials have received several reports of icy spots throughout Screven County.
MORE: Read the full story

Walton Way area after snow storm(WRDW/WAGT)

5:40 p.m.: Crews to continue working overnight on roadways

The Georgia Department of Transportation will continue clearing highways in the region, although much of the ice is gone.
Above-freezing temperatures, combined with plowing and salting, have helped more routes dry. However, a few icy spots remain in some locations.
Maintenance crews will continue plowing and salting roadways, working through the night in the Milledgeville, Dublin and Louisville areas.
With temperatures expected to fall below freezing overnight, black ice could form in some locations.
Any locations that are wet now could freeze overnight.
Additionally, even if the road is dry now, snow and ice on the shoulder or side of the road could melt onto the travel lanes, and that water could freeze.
If the road looks wet, assume it’s icy and proceed accordingly.
MORE: Read the full story

1:30 p.m.: Some school districts plan to return to normal schedule for Friday

Multiple school districts in our area have begun announcing their plans to resume normal operation on Friday.
Barnwell, Columbia, Edgefield, Emanuel, Jenkins, and Taliaferro counties have all stated that they expect to resume a normal schedule for Friday.
MORE: Read the full story

12:33 p.m.: Winter storm kills 8 in South, including Georgia

At least eight people died in the South due to the winter storm that brought a rare amount of snow to the CSRA and rendered some roads imable.
The toll includes one person who died of hypothermia in Georgia.
In Texas, five people were killed in a collision caused by icy conditions south of San Antonio, while two people died, apparently of exposure, in Austin.
MORE: Read the full story

12:23 p.m.: What’s the status of local roads and highways?

Many roads are OK today after most of the ice and snow evaporated yesterday.
But some areas are still a concern, including Calhoun Expressway in Augusta, which is still closed.
We’ve put together a list of road closures and danger spots across the CSRA, including Richmond, Aiken, Burke, Lincoln and Washington counties.
MORE: Read the full story

Noon: Augusta Transit buses start running again

Augusta Transit has restarted operations after snow made operations impossible for a day and a half.
Service resumed at noon, including a free evening shuttle to overnight warming shelters.
Augusta Transit bus services will operate until 8:30 p.m. as long as roads are safe and able
The bus service shut down at 3 p.m. Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday due to the snowstorm.
MORE: Read the full story

11:39 a.m.: Augusta airport reopens, but some flights are canceled, delayed

Officials reopened Augusta Regional Airport after two days of limited operations due to winter weather that dumped snow across the CSRA.
The airport officially reopened at 4 a.m., but the arrival and departure board did show some delays and cancellations through at least 10:30 a.m.
Both of the airlines that serve Augusta – Delta and American – are still working their way through days of delays at their hubs in Atlanta and Charlotte that most Augusta fliers through. The hubs were affected by the same storm that caused problems here.
MORE: Read the full story

7:50 a.m.: FEMA re-opens Georgia centers

All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Georgia will re-open on Thursday after closing for two days due to the winter weather.
FEMA officials say on Thursday at 10 a.m., the centers will reopen.
MORE: Read the full story

7 a.m.: Lincoln County urges people to avoid roads

Rowland York Road from Highway 79 to Metasville Road - Icy conditions reported.
Metasville Road from Lovelace Road to Guillebeau Street - Icy conditions reported.
MORE: Read the full story

5 a.m.: Burke County warns about road safety

Winter Road between Springhill Church Road and Hopeful Baptist Church - Icy conditions reported.
Winter Road just before Highway 25N - Icy conditions reported.
Highway 24S at Old Sardis Road - Icy conditions reported.
MORE: Read the full story

JAN. 22, 2025

10:50 p.m.: North Augusta residents thank road crews

North Augusta resident Brendon Greene says he sees progress as South Carolina crews continue to treat roads.
It’s a big deal for cities like North Augusta, whose road infrastructure is 75% under the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s responsibility.
“I saw him trekking down Martintown Road. Actually, yesterday evening. So, props to them. This isn’t really in their wheelhouse many time a year. So, to be prepared and help the citizens around here, it is a big help and greatly appreciated,” said Greene.

10 p.m.: State crews prep roads for black ice

With more freezing temps Wednesday night and into Thursday, people on both sides of the river are concerned about overnight and morning black ice.
With more freezing temps Wednesday night and into Thursday, people of both sides of the river are concerned about black ice.
That’s why the Georgia Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Department of Transportation are prepping the roadways for black ice.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has also blocked off any high risk streets that were already refreezing.
Augusta resident Joshua Hubert says the effort is a game changer for people who have to go out.
“People were sliding and all kinds of other stuff,” said Hubert. “Today, you know, I was coming here, trying to teeter up that hill right there. I had to drift the car back around because other cars were sliding back down the hill.”

9:20 p.m.: Aiken County urges road safety

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office says they are urging everyone to stay off the roads.
Standing water still on the roads is freezing again, forming black ice.
Black ice usually cannot be seen until it is too late.
SEE THEIR UPDATES.

Aiken County Sheriff's Office(Aiken County Sheriff's Office)

8:42 p.m.: Bassmaster Open postponed

Day one of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir has been postponed due to icy conditions, according to the organization.
The tournament will resume Friday at 7:15 a.m. at Wildwood Park in Appling.
Weigh-in is at 3:15 p.m. at the same location.
MORE: Read the full story.

6:19 p.m.: Augusta, Aiken County offices to open late 2 days after snowfall

With a continuing danger of black ice on roads after Tuesday’s snowstorm, Augusta city offices and Aiken County offices will open late Thursday.
Here are some details from the city of Augusta:
Augusta Animal Services: Open from 2-5 p.m. for owner reclaims and stray intakes. No adoptions will take place.
Augusta Transit: Augusta Transit bus services will operate from noon to 8:30 p.m. as long as roads are safe and able.
Augusta Landfill: The Augusta Landfill will open from noon to 6 p.m.
Trash collection: Service will be delayed. Additional information for service resumption will be provided when it becomes available.
In addition, the Augusta Commission will hold its scheduled meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Lee Beard Commission Chamber at the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building, 535 Telfair St.
Across the Savannah River, Aiken County offices will have a delayed opening at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Motorists are precautioned to watch for occasional patchy ice in some areas.

6:01 p.m.: Take a look at this amazing snowman gallery

Never let it be said that CSRA residents aren’t creative.
We asked you to send in photos of your snowmen, and hundreds of you answered, not just with pictures of snowmen, but snow dragons with antlers, snow ducks, snow dogs, snow cats, snow mice – even a snow sphinx with snow pyramids in the background.
Here’s the gallery:

5:46 p.m.: Ice is vanishing from roads across the region

Georgia Department of Transportation crews made good progress today in clearing roads of snow that fell Tuesday and quickly became a compacted layer of ice as cars were driven over it.
The ice this morning came as a surprise to many, leading to car accidents and warnings from officials to stay home.
With help from sunny conditions, above-freezing temperatures and a hot brine mixture, routes are drying faster than previously anticipated, officials said.
Interstate 20 and Bobby Jones Expressway are mostly dry and clear, and crews are now treating state routes, with most of those roadways drying. However, icy spots remain in shaded areas.
Crews treated the roads Wednesday with a concoction of salt and water to melt the ice, with calcium added to chemically heat up the mixture, speeding the process.
Crews will continue to work through the night to continue treating roads, but officials warn that as temperatures fall overnight, black ice is likely to form.
As a result, officials “strongly discourage” travel overnight.
If you must travel and the road looks wet, assume it’s icy and proceed accordingly, officials said.
MORE: Read the full story

4:31 p.m.: How much snow did we get?

The totals are in from Tuesday’s snowfall, and they vary depending on where you live. Here’s a look at key locations across the region, from most to least:
Wrightsville: 5 inches
Ehrhardt: 4.3 inches
Windsor: 3.8 inches
Swainsboro: 3.5 inches
Appling: 3.5 inches
Barnwell: 3.5 inches
Waynesboro: 3 inches
Midville: 3 inches
Aiken: 2.5 inches
Fort Eisenhower: 2.2 inches
Daniel Field: 1.1 inches

4:24 p.m.: Richmond County State Court to be closed

Due to severe weather conditions, Richmond County State Court will be closed Thursday. All hearings and court services scheduled for that day will be rescheduled.

2:23 p.m.: Snowstorm doesn’t take a toll on power service across CSRA

There were concerns that the snowstorm might weigh down some trees already weakened by Hurricane Helene, causing power outages.
That hasn’t been a problem here in the CSRA.
The number of power outages is negligible in our region, with only one customer dealing with an outage this afternoon.
That’s not the case everywhere in the state, with thousands affected by outages today in coastal Georgia.
In fact, the day started with about 50,000 Georgia customers lacking power, according to Poweroutages.us.
MORE: Read the full story

1:50 p.m.: More school districts keeping students home

Schools in Jefferson County and McDuffie counties as well as Augusta University are among the latest to decide to keep students home tomorrow due to questionable road conditions in the aftermath of yesterday’s snow.
MORE: See the full list of school districts’ plans

12:39 p.m.: Flights resume for a few hours at Augusta airport

As planned, the Augusta Regional Airport reopened at noon.
However, it will shut down again at 6:30 p.m. due to weather impacts, roadway conditions, and employee and enger safety.
Despite the reopening, the arrival and departure board showed a number of delays and cancellations for today.
The airport plans to resume normal operations Thursday morning.
MORE: Read the full story

12:34 p.m.: These schools will stay closed for now

The Warren County and Glascock County school districts will remain closed Thursday, while Edgefield County students will have another e-learning day
s will monitor road conditions and make a determination later for Friday.
MORE: See the full list of school districts’ plans

11:43 a.m.: Snowstorm wreaks havoc on airlines across the country

Fliers here aren’t the only ones who’ve been inconvenienced by a snowstorm that shut down Augusta Regional Airport.
Before it reached us, the storm dumped record levels of snow on places that only see it once in a generation, if that.
More than 1,300 flights to, from or within the U.S. were already canceled this morning and more than 900 were delayed, according to online tracker FlightAware.com.
Both Houston airports plan to resume flights today after they were suspended Tuesday. At New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, where nearly every flight was canceled Tuesday, many airlines planned to resume operations Wednesday.
And at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – where many Auguste fliers change planes or directly depart from – there are 195 cancellations and 100 delays so far today. And a ground stop on Tuesday led to 334 cancellations and 788 delays.
MORE: Augusta airport resumes flights, will close again

11:22 a.m: Send us your photos and videos

It’s a snow day, kids are out of school, and snowmen, sledding and snowball fights are the order of the day.
Share your winter weather photos and videos with News 12 so we can post them online and show them on our newscasts.
It’s easy: photos and videos at /community/-content or click on “add media” below.
Here’s a look at what we’ve gotten so far:

11:05 a.m.: These Richmond County roads are closed or unsafe

Like other agencies, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office again urges people to avoid roadways unless it is absolutely necessary for work or emergencies.
The county is currently experiencing numerous traffic crashes, stalled vehicles and hazardous road conditions, deputies said.
“Please understand that non-emergency incidents, such as minor traffic crashes, are low priority as our personnel are focused on maintaining public safety, conducting proactive safety checks, and responding to emergencies,” the agency said.
If you must drive, use extreme caution, avoid the affected areas listed below, reduce speed and increase following distance, and keep your vehicle stocked with emergency supplies (blankets, water, flashlight, etc.)
Here’s a list of current road closures and issues:
Peach Orchard Road (Phinizy Road to Tobacco Road) – Both directions closed due to ice.
Deans Bridge Road at Meadowbrook Drive – Closed.
Deans Bridge Road southbound at Hilson Road – Closed.
Barton Chapel Road at Old McDuffie Road – Detours required due to icy conditions; crwes will set up detour signs.
Windsor Spring Road at Richmond Hill Road northbound – Icy conditions reported.
Tobacco Road (Peach Orchard to Mike Padgett) – Closed due to ice on roadway.
Walton Way Extension/Crane Ferry Road – Ice on roadway; imable.
Wrightsboro Road/Hickman Road – Requires salting.
John C. Calhoun Expressway/Washington Road – Imable.
Wrightsboro Road (Summerville to downtown) – Requires salting.
800 block of Stevens Creek Road – Ice on roadway.
Belair Road/Wrightsboro Road – Ice uphill; vehicles unable to ascend.
Highland Avenue/Hazel Street – Ice on roadway.
Boy Scout Road at Lafayette Drive – Icy conditions.
Washington Road/Beverly Heights Drive – Ice on roadway.
MORE: Tips for driving in winter weather

10:45 a.m.: Officials again ask to public to stay off roads

The Georgia Department of Transportation says today is not a normal travel day in most of the state.
Crews are still hard at work to focus on interstates and secondary routes that, as expected and in spite of pre-treatment, are posing particular challenges due to icing caused by precipitation and extreme low temperatures.
Travel this morning south of I-20 and south and east of I-85 is hazardous to very dangerous.
GDOT advises those who are able to shelter in place and work remotely throughout today should do so; citizens should do whatever they can to stay off the roads.
Even where interstates are relatively clear, many secondary routes are iced over and extremely hazardous.
GDOT cannot clear or treat the roads when they are gridlocked with vehicles; fewer vehicles on the road means roads can be cleared more effectively.
Sunshine will help start the melting process but temperatures are still bitterly cold, which means the road surface temperatures are also below freezing. This makes it even harder for crews to effectively treat roads.
While interstates and priority state routes had all been pre-treated with more than 1.7 million gallons brine at least once beginning 48 hours before the storm’s arrival, numerous crashes have been reported across the state. In some instances, crashes involving tractor-trailers had caused massive backups and closures, particularly on sections of I-75 south of Atlanta and I-95 in Chatham County, primarily on and around the interchange at I-16 and I-95 near Savannah.
Temperatures well below freezing have hindered the effectiveness of brine in many areas; brine is most effective at temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Georgia DOT crews have begun applying salt and calcium chloride in many locations to combat icing and will continue to monitor conditions and remain as agile as possible to deal with the hardest-hit areas. Additionally, 448 snowplow units have been deployed across the state.
MORE: Read the full story

10:42 a.m.: All Goodwill operations will be closed today

For the safety of employees, students and customers, all Goodwill retail training stores, donation centers, and Career Centers in the CSRA will be closed today due to hazardous road conditions.
Helms College will also be closed, with all classes canceled for the day.
Additionally, Edgar’s Bakehouse, Edgar’s Grille, Edgar’s Above Broad, and the Pinnacle Club will be closed.

10:38 a.m.: VA Augusta shuts down outpatient operations

Due to challenging winter weather conditions on the roadways, VA Augusta Health Care System is closing outpatient operations at all its sites (Uptown and Downtown Augusta, Aiken, Athens, and Statesboro) for the remainder of today.
Officials plan to resume services at noon Thursday.
VA Augusta will continue to provide urgent, walk-in, and emergency care at its Augusta sites.

10:36 a.m: GDOT adjusts plans to get roads able

Georgia Department of Transportation crews are starting to mix calcium into the brine mixture of salt and water that they are spraying on icy roadways.
The salt helps melt the ice, and calcium heats up the mixture further to help the process.
GDOT’s top priority is clearing the interstates.
As of 10 a.m., Interstate 20 and Bobby Jones Expressway are able, officials say.
But drivers should still use extreme caution if they must travel.
Crews are preparing to start applying the calcium brine mixture to interstates to continue improving road conditions on those routes.
Salt is being applied to roads around hospitals.
Officials want the public to know that not all roads will return to normal today.
Plow and salt teams continue to focus on interstates and high-priority state routes. Georgia DOT crews are focusing on critical and high-priority routes, meaning many state routes will not be treated today.
Temperatures will only be above freezing for a few hours, limiting melting this afternoon.
With temperatures forecast to fall well below freezing again tonight, refreezing is likely on several routes.
MORE: Read the full story

10:26 a.m.: What are the roads like right now?

Interstate 20 is mostly clear in at least one lane on the eastbound Georgia side of the Savannah River.
Between Grovetown and the Washington Road, the right lane is clear but other lanes are covered in compacted ice – although many big-rigs are driving on them at regular speed.
Between Washington Road and the state line, most of the lanes are clear.
The South Carolina side isn’t in such good condition.
The snow on Jimmie Dyess Parkway has been compacted into a slick sheet of ice. There’s no sign it’s been treated, and there are vehicles in the median, where they have slid off the roadway.
Gordon Highway near Fort Eisenhower is much the same.

9:22 a.m.: Augusta airport extends closure

Augusta Regional Airport won’t reopen until at least noon today, officials said.
The airport closed last night due to runway conditions, a move that followed the cancellation of all commercial flights.
Officials had planned to reopen the airport at 10 a.m. today, but now they’ve extended that to at least noon.
MORE: Read the full story

8:08 a.m.: Columbia County offices to stay closed today

Due to inclement weather, Columbia County offices will be closed today. Officials earlier expected them to open by 11 a..m. but ultimately made the decision to keep them closed.
The affected offices include the board of commissioners, tax commissioner, sheriff’s istration, clerk of court, all courts and the district attorney’s office.
All Columbia County libraries, including Evans, Grovetown and Harlem libraries, will also be closed.

8 a.m.: More crashes across the CSRA

Officials say there were multiple roads that were iced over and not able. Several accidents had already occurred just before 8 a.m.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a three- vehicle accident in front of Steed’s Dairy on Wrightsboro Road. No one was injured, dispatch says. On the opposite side of the road, deputies were clearing a disabled vehicle at 7:09 a.m.
MORE: Read the full story

6:30 a.m.: GDOT crews and road update

GDOT crews worked overnight to clear the snow from routes in east-central Georgia.
Crews have noticed some treacherous areas, especially on I-520 in Augusta. They continue to plow and salt bridges on interstates.
Wednesday morning, GDOT officials said the top priority is clearing the interstates. I-16, I-20, and I-520 remain able throughout the district, however, drivers should still use extreme caution if they must travel.
All district maintenance personnel are working 12-hour shifts until the weather event ends. Crews are staffed around the clock on Wednesday.
MORE: Read the full story

4 a.m.: Crews respond to crashes across the CSRA

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to multiple wrecks throughout the county overnight.
The Taliaferro County deputies blocked off I-20 W at the 146.5-mile marker due to an accident involving a semi-truck and a van.
In Washington County, deputies and Sandersville Police responded the scene of a rollover single- car accident on MLK Avenue Ext. and Kaolin Road. Deputies, fire and EMS crews responded to an overturned vehicle crash on Linton Road at the bridge near Webster Road.
MORE: Read the full story

JAN. 21, 2025

11:29 p.m.: What to expect overnight

The snow may slow down across the CSRA, but the temperatures will continue to drop, which means black ice.
The roads will be most dangerous tonight and early Wednesday morning due to the overnight freeze.

11:05 p.m.: Cars beginning to slide in Aiken County

Drivers in Aiken County should stay clear of Ascauga Lake Road.
Aiken County dispatch confirmed that multiple cars have slid off the road in this area.
SCDOT is on the way to the scene to put signs out that block off this road to drivers.

10:31 p.m.: Heat-related safety reminders

If you are using a space heater or kerosene heater keep all objects at least three feet away, make sure it has an automatic shut-off, and turn it off when you go to bed or leave the room.
If you are using a fireplace, wood stove or furnace keep a screen in front to prevent sparks from jumping out, do not burn paper, put the fire out before you go to sleep, and put ashes outside in a metal container at least 10 feet from your house.

9:59 p.m.: Government offices to remain closed

Augusta government offices will stay closed all day Wednesday due to unsafe road conditions.
MORE: Read the full story

9:28 p.m.: Airport to remain closed

Augusta Regional will remain closed through 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Staff will remain on site tonight to assess conditions.
MORE: Read the full story

9:02 p.m.: GDOT crews and road update

GDOT plow teams have started clearing snow from routes on I-16, I-20, and Bobby Jones Expressway.
Crews are also salting bridges on interstates and high-priority state routes.
Most state routes will not be plowed until Wednesday.
MORE: Read the full story

8:26 p.m.: Richmond County Sheriff’s Office update

RCSO announced on their Facebook that they will be deploying additional deputies and resources across the county to address emergencies, deter crime, and ensure public safety.
Officials are urging you to stay off the road because single-vehicle crashes without injuries will be prioritized lower.
Roads such as John C. Calhoun Expressway, Alexander Drive, and Riverwatch Parkway should be avoided due to shut downs and multiple crashes.

7:56 p.m.: Safety reminders

Local officials have continued to remind residents to leave the cabinet doors beneath their sink open to keep their pipes warm.
Make sure you let cold water drip from a faucet. Even a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Inside your home, you’ll want to keep the thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night. Also, set your temperature to no lower than 55 degrees.

7:35 p.m.: Some bridges start to see accumulation

As we continue to expect dangerous road conditions throughout the night and into Wednesday, some bridges and overes have begun freezing over.
We are starting to see some accumulation on the St. Sebastian Bridge just over the canal. Most bridges in the area are starting to do the same.

6:55 p.m.: Drivers stay off roads or take it slow

Drivers seem to be mostly heeding experts’ advice and staying off the roads.
In Augusta, Evans and North Augusta, the ground isn’t fully covered with snow, and neither are the roads.
The roads are glazed with a little water, but News 12 crews had no issues driving between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Drivers are taking it slowly on Interstate 20, moving around 30 mph, and the highway seems safe at that speed.
However, we did see a car slide and hit the metal barrier on the on-ramp getting onto Interstate 20 from Interstate 520 around 6:10 p.m. The car was blocking the westbound lane

6:25 p.m.: GDOT crews stay busy, but want you to stay home

As snow continues to fall, the Georgia Department of Transportation is strongly discouraging non-essential travel.
In some locations, road temperatures are starting to fall below freezing and black ice is forming, officials said.
If you must drive, please use extreme caution, especially on bridges.
GDOT crews are salting bridges on interstates and high-priority state routes.
But not enough snow has accumulated to begin plowing.
Travel conditions are expected to be dangerous overnight into Wednesday morning as temperatures fall into the low 20s and upper teens.
Crews are staffed around the clock and are working 12-hour shifts.
Road treatment plans are being driven by priority, focusing on interstates first.
MORE: Read the full story

5:20 p.m.: Richmond County schools announce plans for Wednesday

The Richmond County School System will hold an e-learning day Wednesday.
All extracurricular activities are canceled.
Teachers will continue to provide assignments through Canvas for older students or SeeSaw for younger students, and communication with families will take place via Remind or Class Dojo.
This follows an e-learning day Tuesday.
The district will continue to monitor conditions for Thursday and provide an update by Wednesday evening.
MORE: See the full list of school districts’ plans

5:07 p.m.: Downtown Aiken turns into a winter wonderland

Growing up in Georgia, Hallie Turner didn’t get a lot of experience with the snow.
So when News 12 sent her to Aiken this afternoon to cover downtown’s transformation into a winter wonderland, Hallie had some fun.
MORE: See the video

4:47 p.m.: Augusta opens May Park site as warming center

In response to the ongoing cold weather, the city of Augusta will open May Park Community Center, 622 Fourth St., as a public warming center.
The warming center will be available until Thursday, offering temporary relief from freezing temperatures.
Check-in hours are 5-9 p.m.
City officials and available resources will be on-site to provide and assistance as needed.
Other overnight shelters in Augusta include:
Augusta Rescue Mission, 526 Walker St.
Garden City Rescue Mission, 828 Fenwick St.
Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1384 Greene St.
You’ll apparently need to get there on your own.
Citing unsafe driving conditions, Augusta Transit shut down its shuttles that typically offer free rides to overnight shelters during cold weather.

4:40 p.m.: Aiken County offices will be closed Wednesday

Based on the latest weather forecast, Aiken County offices will be closed Wednesday.
A decision regarding Thursday will be made Wednesday at 4 p.m. as very low temperatures Wednesday night may create dangerous road conditions overnight and into Thursday.

4:30 p.m.: All flights canceled today at Augusta Regional Airport

Augusta Regional Airport announced that all flights are canceled today as a winter storm moves through the region.
To the west, hundreds of flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were canceled Tuesday.
Many, if mot most, Augusta fliers through Atlanta, either to change planes or by driving there directly for departure.
MORE: Read the full story

4:10 p.m.: Columbia County School District closing Wednesday

The Columbia County School District – known locally for rarely canceling classes – has decided to cancel classes Wednesday, along with all after-school events and activities.
MORE: See the full list of school districts’ plans

3:53 p.m.: Best Friend Express closes for Wednesday

Best Friend Express buses will not operate tomorrow Wednesday due to the winter storm.

3:13 p.m.: Blood bank adequately stocked for winter weather

Shepeard Community Blood Center, which typically has an urgent need for blood donors during winter weather, says it’s stocked.
“Thank you, CSRA blood donors!!! We are adequately prepared for potential inclement weather,” Director Benjamin Prijatel wrote in an email that included a photo of full shelves.

2:20 p.m.: Transit shutdown leaving the homeless out in the cold

Augusta Transit is shutting down all operations at 3 p.m. – and that includes shuttles to overnight warming shelters.
The city had traditionally offered free rides to overnight shelters during winter weather.
But in this case, with up to 3 inches of snow in the forecast, homeless people could be left out in the cold tonight.
MORE: Read the full story

2:17: Aiken County offices close early today

Due to the incoming winter weather today, Aiken County offices closed at 2 p.m..
A decision will be made about tomorrow’s county office hours at 4 p.m. today.

1:39 p.m.: Richmond County school meetings reset

The Richmond County Board of Education has rescheduled several public meetings originally set for today. All meetings will be held in the Central Office Board Room auditorium, 864 Broad St. in Augusta.
New meeting details:
Committee meeting: Monday at 4:00 p.m.
Called board meeting – second public hearing on House Bill 581: Monday at 6 p.m.
Regular board meeting: Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Called board meeting – third public hearing on House Bill 581: Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Called board meeting – adoption public hearing on House Bill 581: Tuesday during the regular board meeting at 6:30 p.m.

1:31 p.m.: Aiken County schools plan e-learning day

Students in Aiken County Public Schools will have an e-learning day Wednesday, the district announced.
MORE: See the full list of school districts’ plans

1:28 p.m.: Bus service to end early

Due to the winter weather, Augusta Transit will end services today at 3 p.m.
We’ve reached out to the city to learn how that will affect the program to give rides to people trying to reach an overnight warming shelter.

12:55 p.m.: Richmond County Health Department closing early

Due to inclement weather, Richmond County Health Department will close at 1 p.m. and will remain closed Wednesday.
The Richmond County Health Department will reopen Thursday.

12:14 p.m.: GDOT preparations by the numbers

Georgia Department of Transportation crews have treated more than 43,000 lane miles of Georgia interstates, state routes, bridges and overes.
They’ve used more than 1.7 million gallons of brine.
More than 1,500 employees make up GDOT crews that have traversed the state since early Sunday morning.
All interstates and priority state routes across the state have been at least one time, and many have been treated more than once.
Crews have 448 snowplows at their disposal to clear roadways once precipitation starts.
trucks have to travel 40 mph, so stay 100 feet back if you are behind one.
MORE: Read the full story

11:55 a.m.: Augusta mayor will still deliver address

Despite the closure of Augusta city offices and postponement of the Augusta Commission meeting, Mayor Garnett Johnson still plans to give his State of the City address at noon at the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building.

11:15 a.m.: Winter weather cancels flights in Augusta, Atlanta

Hundreds of inbound and outbound flights at the Atlanta airport have already been canceled or delayed ahead of Tuesday’s winter weather, and several in and out of Augusta Regional Airport are canceled, as well.
Most fliers out of Augusta Regional Airport change planes in either Atlanta, a Delta hub, or Charlotte, an American Airlines hub.
Other travelers from the CSRA drive to Atlanta to fly directly out of that airport.
At Augusta Regional, there are at least six canceled arrivals as of Tuesday morning and five canceled departures.
More than 500 flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were delayed Monday night. At last check, there are 168 cancellations and 140 delays for Tuesday, according to FlightAware.
Atlanta’s airport workers are ready regardless.
“When it gets too cold out here on the road or ramp, we have to make sure that we’re putting down the ice, because when you’re driving the equipment, you don’t want to slide or cause accidents,” said Deonte Wilson, Delta aircraft loading agent.
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11:12 a.m.: the WRDW Weather App

Stay on top of what’s going on with today’s winter weather. Get the WRDW Weather App on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

11:06 a.m.: Augusta city offices closing early

Augusta city officials say they’re closely monitoring current winter weather conditions and urge all residents to exercise caution.
Out of an abundance of caution for the anticipated weather arriving this afternoon, all Augusta government offices will close at 1 p.m.
Today’s Augusta Commission meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. has been rescheduled to take place Thursday at 12:30 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to limit travel due to potentially hazardous road conditions. If travel is necessary, drive with extreme caution.

10:32 a.m.: Snow reported in National Hills

Snow reported in the National Hills neighborhood at Washington Road and Ingleside Drive.

10:20 a.m.: Crews preparing CSRA roads for incoming snow

The Georgia Department of Transportation is continuing to treat roads and monitor the weather in advance of a winter storm.
The majority of GDOT District 2’s 7,729 lane miles have received at least one layer of brine treatment.
Unlike the winter storm that impacted the district earlier this month, this one is forecast to impact the full 27-county district, meaning thousands of additional lane miles received treatment.
Additional crews from other parts of the state and a Georgia DOT contractor helped accomplish the pretreatment.
Interstate 20 and Bobby Jones Expressway received a second layer of brine treatment overnight.
All high-priority, multi-lane state routes and medium-priority state routes have received at least one layer of brine treatment.
Brine operations will continue throughout the day until the winter weather arrives.
GDOT is prepared to switch to salt and plow operations as the winter storm arrives.
Treatment plans will again be driven by priority, focusing on interstates first.
All district maintenance personnel are working 12-hour shifts until the weather event ends.
Crews are staffed around the clock.
Crews cannot clear roads that are packed with vehicles., so the agency urges drivers to consider the potential weather impacts that could make travel difficult and possibly dangerous.
Consider limiting travel as much as possible starting at midday.
The agency is preparing for a multi-day response.
Wintry precipitation that falls could take several days to completely melt.
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10:15 a.m.: First snowflakes reported in CSRA

News 12 viewers in Augusta’s Summerville neighborhood and in Harlem are the first to report light snowflakes falling.

10 a.m.: What’s ahead for the CSRA?

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the CSRA, with snow expected. Forecasters initially thought it would start this afternoon, but the first snowflakes are now expected earlier. Snow totals will be a dusting to 2 inches for most, but isolated areas could get more than 2 inches.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for our area for wind chills below 10-15° early today and Wednesday.
Actual lows will reach the low 20s.
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9:10 a.m.: School districts update their weather plans

Most school districts across the CSRA will be releasing students early today and will have e-learning Wednesday in anticipation of up to 3 inches of snow across the CSRA.
Many school districts had planned a full day today but changed their plans this morning as the forecast firmed up.
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